Using evenweave fabric, 28hpi, 12 x 12cm, stitch your favourite design over two threads.

Cut 2 pieces of fabric 27 x 18 cm for the cushion back.

Make a double hem, by folding over 5 mm each time, on one edge of each piece of backing fabric.

Using the same fabric as the cushion back, cut out four pieces each measuring 27 x 9 cm.

With right sides facing, raw edges matching, pin one strip of fabric to one edge of the evenweave. Using a 5mm seam allowance, stitch in place. Now repeat this process with the other 3 strips.

To make a mitre on all corners, repeat the following steps four times. First, place your bordered cross stitch right side down.

Fold the border trip back on one corner at a 45 degree angle. Iron firmly, then repeat with adjacent strip so the edges meet EXACTLY. Sew together along the ironed fold.

Now place the two backing pieces, with raw edges and right sides matching, at the opposite sides of the cushion front. The hemmed edges (step ii) must overlap in the middle.

Sew all the way around. Turn right side out!

To allow for a smart, neat look, the maximum stitch size I would recommend on this size and count fabric would be 40 x 40.